Macc Town’s on-field general, defender Nat Brown, insists that a degree of self-belief can propel the Silkmen to success this season.

The centre-back, who has worn the armband in the absence of Paul Morgan, has been an ever-present in league and cup games, having not missed a single minute of the season so far.

And, alongside Shaun Brisley, the no-nonsense pair have been the cornerstone of Macc’s recent good run that sees them occupy 12th spot ahead of facing Bradford on Tuesday night.

"It sounds good being two points off the play-offs," he said. "We all know we’re a small club and everyone always writes us off but the gaffer’s put a good team together and with a bit of belief I think we can do it."

The 30-year-old has watched Brisley mature alongside him into a solid stopper, and maintains high hopes for Gary Simpson’s latest Macc incarnation, following a host of departures in the summer.

"Last year we had a good team, we’ve lost a lot of players but we’ve rebuilt and the gaffer’s kept it strong, he’s good at picking out his players. It’s a good team, there’s a good feeling in the camp so we’ll see what happens.

"I think some of the lads are starting to have a refusal to lose, we don’t want to lose, we don’t want to concede and that’s why the boys are putting their bodies on the line.

"It’s paying off and we’ve had a couple of good results."

And with Morgan resuming training, with a view to returning to first-team action in the next few weeks, his vice-captain is relishing the competition for places, admitting: "We’re always being kept on our toes, even when he’s out injured. Tony (Diagne) can play there obviously and Bris is a young lad but he’s coming on tremendously. If Morgs wants to get back in the team he’s going to have to work hard."